Topeak Pannier Drybag DX review

Robust and roomy pannier that should stand the test of time.

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(Image credit: Emma Silversides)
Cycling Weekly Verdict

What this pannier might lack in practical features - such as internal pockets - it makes up for in capacity and robustness. It's a cavernous bag that will suit anyone with bulky loads, though it's sheer depth might not suit everyones' set-up. It's as easy as any other pannier to get on and off a rack. Thanks to a well-designed carry handle, it's much more comfy to carry by hand than most.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Robust

  • +

    Durable

  • +

    Roomy

  • +

    Decent carry handle

  • +

    Bright colour option

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Might be too deep for some

  • -

    No included shoulder strap

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    No internal pockets

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

Topeak’s reputation for high quality, durable accessories is well-justified if their Pannier Drybag DX is anything to go by. At a quick glance, you might think it’s not so dissimilar to Ortlieb’s Back Roller Classic, it certainly feels and looks just as robust. But there are some significant differences that set it apart.

Construction and capacity

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Emma’s first encounters with a bike were in between swimming and running. Soon after competing for GB in the World Age Group Triathlon Championships in Edmonton in 2001 she saw the light and decided to focus on cycling. 

With a couple of half decent UK road seasons under her belt, she went out to Belgium to sample the racing there, spending two years with Lotto-Belisol Ladies team, racing alongside the likes of Sara Carrigan, Grace Verbeke, Rochelle Gilmore and Lizzie Deignan. Emma moved from Lotto-Belisol to Dutch team Redsun, working primarily as a domestique for Emma Johansson. When Redsun folded, Emma was offered the opportunity to ride with a newly formed Belgian team and home to the first year senior and budding rider Anna Van Der Breggen.

After retiring, Emma returned to teaching, setting up her own tutoring business. When not coercing kids to do maths, she is invariably out on two wheels. While the road bike remains her true passion, she has also developed an addiction to touring, with destinations including Iceland, Georgia and Albania, to mention just a few. There have also been sightings of Emma off-road, on mountain and gravel bikes… As if all of this isn't enough, she's been working as a freelancer since 2005, testing and reviewing the latest kit and sharing her insight into the sport.